A MUCH-loved charity shop on Chelsea Road, in Bath, has reached an inspiring fund-raising milestone.

H.U.G.S has raised an extraordinary £350,000 to support patient care in the Royal United Hospitals Bath (RUH).

The achievement is the result of years of dedication, teamwork, and community spirit from the shop’s team, volunteers, donors, and loyal customers.

Since 2013, H.U.G.S has supported cancer services at the RUH, and its fund-raising is currently helping the RUH Charitable Fund (RUHX) campaign to bring a new PETCT scanner to the hospital.

The state-of-the-art advanced diagnostic equipment will enable clinicians to detect conditions such as cancer and dementia earlier and with greater accuracy, helping patients receive vital answers more quickly.

Shop manager Aurora Paccione said: “We find that people love to shop at H.U.G.S because it is a space that connects us all in one way or another.

“Not only are items and clothes donated and shared, but stories and experiences, too.”

H.U.G.S has been a warm and welcoming presence on Chelsea Road since 2013, a place where volunteers give their time generously, donors contribute high quality items, and shoppers know that every purchase makes a difference to their local community as well as the planet.

Events and community manager at RUHX, Laura Snell, said: “We are beyond grateful to the team at H.U.G.S Charity Shop and their customers.

“Every donated item sorted, every visitor helped, and every shift covered helps us go further to give every patient the extra extraordinary care they deserve.

"Reaching £350,000 is an extraordinary achievement and shows the level of passion and commitment of everybody involved.

“Their hard work will have a lasting impact on patients and families in Bath and beyond.”